The keys to my Trabi are lost and gone forever (through no fault of my own I hasten to add). Can anybody suggest a way to replace the keys that wouldn't require purchasing a new ignition, etc? I understand there are only four key patterns. Could I simply purchase one of each and see which fits? Thanks
Hello, It’s a pain when that happens. I had a similar problem for another car and ended up replacing most of the locks, with only the boot lock staying as original (British car). I can’t remember if the locks on the Trabi have codes on them, if so, you’ll get away with ordering from someone like LDM https://www.ldm-tuning.de/en/artikel-1341.htm If not, any trabi owners close to you to test their key and maybe get lucky? Good luck!
Now this is going to be a stretch, but I did it on a motorcycle -and it saved the day. Also my trabbi.. If you can get a key blank(like you had). Then you can take off the door handle, and remove the lock tumbler. Now comes the fun part. With some small needle files, proceed to slowly hand file the teeth of the key, so that when inserted, the tumblers all sit flush.. Doesn't take much, just measure, recheck ect.. In other words, whittle out a key pattern... Or get new locks... Really easy to change out. Kinda the whole theme of the car. When my parts 601 came, it had a toyota truck key blank in the switch. It worked but not well...
If it was the same as the door, and trunk-then yes. My trabi is like this. Only have one key for the whole car.
you can buy the key blanks fron german ebay then file them to fit the locks like spooky ghost said . You should be able to get key blanks locally if you go to a good locksmith as long as it fits into the lock it can be made to work
This british firm sells at jeasr 6 types they might be willing to post overseas http://www.keytrader.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.browse&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2
According to trabantwelt.de, the key number is stamped on the trunk lock, the inside of the door locks, and on the ignition lock. Does anybody know where the number is stamped on the ignition lock?
No i don't but if it is the old type without a steering lock it's probably as cheap to buy a new switch complete with keys
I found the numbers to the boot latch. I didn't look for the numbers to the doors because it would've required be to remove the door panels and it was bloody hot and I was tired. The ignition is still a mystery to me. From the front I can't see any numbers at all. The rear wiring panel has a sequence of numbers which I've circled in red: 86308/3. That doesn't sound like a key number though. I'm at a loss as to what to do next. I appreciate everyone's suggestions.
I think you need to replace the ignition switch. In the short term you could pop the lock with a big screwdriver . . .
How do I get the front part off? (The part circled in blue.) The rear plate with the four wires simply unscrewed, but I couldn't figure out how to get the front off.
You can't without destroying it. The black lock assembly goes around the column and bolts to the support with two bolts needs to be replaced and it will have a new lock and key in it. But all you need is the electrical switch that you unscrewed to run the car. If you can insert a screwdriver or something into the plastic switch in the circle in the middle on the front and just turn it, it's the same as turning the key, without the lock.
Could I just install an old ignition switch in the dash board and reroute the wires from the current ignition to it? It appears to have four contacts, the same as in my current switch (took the pic from the Danzer site).
Yes that will work but you don't need a trabant switch any generic switch sourced locally ( cheaply ) will do the job or even raid the junk yard for a suitable switch
Here is one I have used in many things over the years. It saved the day for a 58' Hillman Minx! https://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-...685509?hash=item261e27da45:g:JIYAAOSwA9Jc8ccP I've always found the hardest part of putting in a new universal switch isn't the wiring.... It is finding a way to hold it firmly in place, so it doesn't twirl around when turning the key....
